Message transmission device, and a message transmission system and a message transmission status advising system using the message transmission device

ABSTRACT

An electronic message transmission system including at least one transmission apparatus of the electronic message and a plurality of message receivers of the same wherein the electronic message is transmitted according to a predetermined transmission path connecting message receivers. A transmission state of the electronic message is memorized and up-dated in a memory and thereby, an addresser of the electronic message is able to know the state of the message transmission by referring to the contents of the memory.

This application is a divisional of application Ser. No. 07/710,333,filed on Jun. 5, 1991, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,285,203.

The present invention relates to a message transmission device, amessage transmission system and a message transmission status noticingsystem using the message transmission device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to, for example, to a message transmissionsystem for making an efficient operation of electronically transmittedmessages or procedures at general offices and to a message transmissionstatus advising system enabling the execution of its objects.

2. Related Art

As one of the message transmission systems, the system disclosed in Pat.Disclosure No. S62-25373 (filed in 1987) is an example of a conventionalsystem. FIG. 37 is a block diagram showing its structure where 301 is aninput device for electronic slips, 302 is a circular controller, 303 isa memory unit and 305 is an approval operation device. FIG. 38 showsdetails of the memory unit 303 where "a circular path table forclassified slips" and "a presence/absence table for a individualapprove" are provided. The circular path table for classified slipsmemorizes a path of the slip circular approver and also a deputyapprover (sub) when a circular approver (main) is not present. Thepresence/absence of the approver can be known by "the presence/absencetable for individual approver". Thus, when the electronic slip ofclassification AA is input from the electronic slip input device 301,the circular controller 302 refers "the circular path table forclassified slips" within the memory unit 303 and recognizes this slip asbeing circularly approved by the approvers in the order of A→B→C→D.Then, the circular controller 302 refers "the presence/absence table forindividual approver" within the memory unit 303 and judges if this slipcan be circulated to the approvers in the order of A→B→C→D. As approversB and C are absent in this example, F being the deputy approver for Band G being the deputy approver for C are requested to be present fromthe list of sub approvers for the slip AA in "the circular path tablefor classified slips" and the slip AA is circulated via the correctedpath of approvers in the order of A→F→G→D.

However, in the prior example described above, the circular path wasdetermined at the start of approval of the slip circular so that nonecessary step was given in case "the presence/absence table forindividual approver" was changed during the circulation and thereremained a problem of the system structure being not good enough todetermine a circular path without approval-waiting.

Furthermore, deputies for the circular approvers were also controlledfor centralizing in the memory unit 303 and there was not muchflexibility in changing approvers and designating a deputy's deputyfreely.

Further, although the circular path without the approval-waiting couldbe determined automatically at the start of the slip circular approval,there are disadvantages such as a transmitter being unable to see anactual circulation status of the slips.

Taking the above into consideration, it is an object of this inventionto provide a message transmission system which enables a flexibledistribution of information between the original and deputy approversand -makes transmitters possible to check transmission speed whentransmitting information such as circulars and messages requiringconfirmation to a person in charge.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a messagetransmission system which solves these problems.

The present invention has been developed with a view to substantiallysolve the above-described disadvantages and has for its essentialobjective to provide an improved message transmission system.

In order to achieve the aforementioned objective, a message transmissionsystem comprising an electronic message input device for input of amessage, electronic message processing means having an acceptabilityindicator for showing whether an electric message can be processed by amessage operator or not by yes or no given by the message operator, andhaving a deputy operator specifier designating a deputy operator by whomthe electronic message is to be processed, and a transmission controllerwhich determines a message receiver, a message operator on duty or adeputy operator by checking the acceptability indicator and a deputyoperator specifier. Based on the above-mentioned structure, thetransmission device checks the acceptability indicator within theelectronic message processing means allocated to the message operatorand if the acceptability indicator is yes or if the acceptabilityindicator is no and a deputy operator is not designated in the deputyoperator specifier, the electronic message is transmitted to theelectronic message processing means allocated to said message operator,and if the acceptability indicator is no and if a deputy operator isdesignated in the deputy operator specifier, the electronic message istransmitted to the electronic message processing means allocated to thedeputy operator designated in the deputy operator specifier.

This invention further relates to a message transmission status advisingsystem comprising an electronic message input device to input electronicmessages, an electronic message processor corresponding to a messageprocess operator, a transmission path memory unit to memorize byelectronic message processors within the transmission path in thetransmission path memory unit the electronic messages being processed, atransmission controller to transmit the electronic messages to theelectronic message processor in order and a processing positionindicating device to indicate the content of a processing positionmemory unit. Based on the above-mentioned structure, the transmissioncontroller transmits electronic messages being input by the electronicmessage input device to the electronic message processor according tothe path memorized in the transmission path memory unit along withhaving the processing position memory unit memorize, by the electronicmessage processors, the electronic messages under processing and theprocessing position indicating device indicates the content of theprocessing position memory unit being renewed by the transmissioncontroller.

This invention also relates to a message transmission system comprisinginformation receiving means for receiving message information having atransmission mode and a transmission path expressed by an electronicmessage identification code and address in order and electronic messagesincluding a body of a message (hereinafter referred to as a text) to beprocessed, information separating means for separating transmissioninformation from electronic messages, transmission status memory meansfor memorizing transmission status which enables a pair of theelectronic message identification code and transmission path beingadditionally memorized or newly memorized in a storage region or deletedfrom there depending on a value of the transmission mode, composingmeans for composing the transmission information and processed text andtransmitting means for transmitting to control the transmission of theelectronic messages to the next address to said address and to theprevious address to said address depending on the value of thetransmission mode. In accordance with the above-mentioned structure, thetransmitting means transmits the electronic messages to the next addressto said address along with the transmission path and also advises thetransmission status of the electronic messages to the previous addressto said address by means of an electronic message and the transmissionstatus memory means memorizes the transmission status of the electronicmessages noticed from the succeeding address to said address in thestorage region.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other objects and features of the present invention willbecome clear from the following description taken in conjunction withthe preferred embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanyingdrawings throughout which like parts are designated by like referencenumerals, and in which:

FIGS. 1 to 3 show the first embodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline structure of a messagetransmission system;

FIG. 2 is a model drawing showing a structure of an electronic messageprocessing device; and

FIG. 3 is a drawing describing an operation of the embodiment;

FIGS. 4 to 6 show the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an outline structure of the messagetransmission system;

FIG. 5 is a model drawing showing a structure of the electronic messageprocessing device; and

FIG. 6 is a drawing describing an operation of the embodiment;

FIGS. 7 to 8 show the third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an outline structure of the presentinvention;

FIG. 8 is a drawing describing an operation of the embodiment;

FIGS. 9 to 14 show the fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an outline structure of a messagetransmission status advising system;

FIG. 10 is an explanation drawing showing an example part of atransmission path memory unit;

FIG. 11 is an explanation drawing showing an example part of aprocessing position memory unit;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an electronic message processingoperation;

FIG. 13 is an explanation drawing showing changes in the processingposition memory unit, and

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an indication control operation;

FIGS. 15 to 17 show the fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 15(a) and (b) are explanation drawings showing an example of theindication respectively;

FIGS. 16(a) and (b) are explanation drawings showing changes in theprocessing position memory unit respectively, and

FIGS. 17(a) and (b) are flowcharts showing the indication controloperations respectively;

FIGS. 18 to 22 show the sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing an outline structure of a messagetransmission device;

FIG. 19 is a drawing showing an example structure of electronicmessages;

FIG. 20 is a drawing showing an example type of memory in a storageregion;

FIG. 21 is a flowchart describing an operation of the messagetransmission device; and

FIG. 22 is a drawing describing changes of contents in the electronicmessage being received and transmitted and in the storage region;

FIGS. 23 to 25 show the seventh embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing an outline structure of the messagetransmission device;

FIG. 24 is a flowchart describing an operation of the messagetransmission device; and

FIG. 25 is a drawing describing changes in the electronic message beingreceived and transmitted and in the storage region;

FIGS. 26 to 31 show the eighth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 26 is a block diagram showing an outline structure of the messagetransmission device;

FIG. 27 is a drawing showing an example structure of the electronicmessages;

FIG. 28 is a drawing showing an example of memory type of transmissionpath memory unit;

FIG. 29 is a flowchart describing an operation of the messagetransmission device in an embodiment;

FIG. 30 is an explanation drawing showing an example part of thetransmission path memory unit; and

FIG. 31 is a drawing .showing an example of the electronic messages;

FIGS. 32 to 34 show the ninth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 32 is a block diagram showing an outline structure of the messagetransmission system;

FIG. 33 is a block diagram showing a structure of an original messagetransmission preparation unit in an electronic message preparationdevice; and

FIG. 34 is a drawing describing a transfer operation of the electronicmessages in the message transmission system;

FIGS. 35 to 36 show the tenth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 35 is a block diagram showing an outline structure of the messagetransmission; and

FIG. 36 is a drawing describing a transfer operation of the electronicmessages in the message transmission system; and

FIGS. 37 to 38 show an example of a prior art system;

FIG. 37 is a drawing showing a general structure of an automaticdesignation method for a circular path of slips; and

FIG. 38 is a drawing showing its specific example.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The first embodiment relating to this invention will be described asfollows based on FIGS. 1 to 3:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a message transmission system in anembodiment. In FIG. 1, 1 is an electronic message input device, 2 is atransmission controller and 3A-3n are electronic message processingdevices. FIG. 2 is a model drawing showing a structure of electronicmessage processing devices 3i (i=A, B, . . . , n) and 3i1 designates anacceptability indicator, 3i2 designates a deputy operator specifier, 3i3designates an electronic message receiver and 3i3-3i3j designatereceived electronic messages respectively.

An explanation of relative operations follows with reference to FIG. 3.It is assumed that there are four message operators A, B, C, and D andelectronic message processing devices 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D are allotted tothe four message operators A, B, C, and D respectively. Then, all fourmessage operators A, B, C, and D are in a position to operate theelectronic message processing devices 3A-3D. This means that everyacceptability indicator 3A1, 3B1, 3C1 and 3D1 is designated as "YES".

When a message M1 is input for addressing to the message operator A froman electronic message input device 1, a transmission controller 2 checksacceptability indicator 3A1 within an electronic message processingdevice 3A corresponding to the message process operator A. In this case,as "YES" is being designated, the transmission controller 2 transmitsthe message M1 to the electronic message processing device 3A and therespective message is stored in the electronic message receiver 3A3 asthe received message 3A3 (j÷1). (FIG. 3(a))

Then, supposing that the message operator A has to change thedesignation of the acceptability indicator 3A1 to "NO" for a certainreason next. A deputy operator is not designated yet in the deputyoperator specifier 3A2 here. If a new message M2 also addressed to theprocess operator A is input from the electronic message input device 1,the transmission controller 2 checks the acceptability indicator 3A1. As"NO" is being designated at this time, the transmission controller 2checks the deputy operator specifier 3A2 also. In this case, as nospecific designation is made, the transmission controller 2 transmitsthe message M2 to the electronic message processing device 3A and themessage is stored in the electronic message receiver 3A3 as the receivedelectronic message 3A3 (j+2). (FIG. 3(b))

Now, in the case where the message operator A designates operator B forhis deputy operator, that is, the deputy operator specifier 3A2 isdesignated B, the transmission controller checks the acceptabilityindicator 3A1 and the deputy operator specifier 3A2 when next message M3addressed to the operator A is input from the electronic message inputdevice 1, and recognizes the acceptability indicator 3A1="NO" and thedeputy operator specifier 3A2="B". As a result, the transmissioncontroller 2 transmits the message M3 to an electronic messageprocessing device 3B and the message is stored in an electronic messagereceiver 3B3 as received electronic message 3B31. Thus, the operator Bacts as a deputy of the process operator A. (FIG. 3(c))

Similarly, if the operator B has to designate for some reason theacceptability indicator 3B1 and deputy operator specifier 3B2 in themessage processing device 3B as "NO" and "C" respectively, thetransmission controller 2 transmits a message M4 addressed to theoperator A to the electronic message processing device 3C and themessage is stored in an electronic receiver 3C3 as a received electronicmessage 3C31. Accordingly, the operator C can also act as a deputy ofthe operator B. The message operator A, however, does not have to beconcerned if the operator B is designating the operator C as a furtherdeputy operator or not.

This is applicable to circulate messages. A message X shall becirculated in order to the message process operators D→A as a regularpath. Similar to the above explanation, if all the operators A, B, C, Dare supposed to be able to operate the electronic message processors3A-3D, i.e. the "YES" is designated in either of the acceptabilityindicators 3A1, 3B1, 3C1 and 3D1, then the message X being input fromthe electronic message input device 1 will be transmitted to theelectronic message processing device 3D by the transmission controller 2to be circulated in order of message process operators D→A. While theoperator D is processing the message X by operating the electronicmessage processor 3D, the process operator A can change with somereasons the acceptability indicator 3A1 and deputy operator specifier3A2 in the electronic message processing device 3A to "NO" and "C"respectively. The operator D requests the transmission controller 2 totransmit the message X to the message processing device 3A afterfinishing the processing regardless of the designation of theacceptability indicator 3A1 as being "NO". The transmission controller 2confirms the acceptability indicator 3A1="NO" and the deputy operatorspecifier 3A2="C" and transmits the message X to the electronic messageprocessing device 3C allocated to the operator C who is a deputyoperator of the message operator A.

Thus, according to this embodiment, the transmission controllerdistributes messages to a person in charge or his deputy depending onthe conditions of the time without prechecking the acceptabilityindicators of message process operators on duty by the transmitters'side in advance. Thereby, smoother message transmission can be carriedout.

Further, it is also possible to check substitutionally the "YES" or "NO"of acceptability indicators 3A1, 3B1, 3C1 and 3D1 by giving LOGON/LOGOFFinformation to message transmission systems for the message operators A,B, C and D.

Embodiment 2

The second embodiment relating to this invention will be described asfollows based on FIGS. 4 to 6:

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a message transmission system in anembodiment of this invention. In FIG. 4, 4 is a recall transmissioncontroller and 3A-3n are electronic transmission processing devices.FIG. 5 is a model drawing showing a structure of an electronic messageprocessing device 3i (i=A, B . . . , n) and 3i1 designates anacceptability indicator, 3i2 designates a deputy operator specifier, 3i3designates an electronic message receiver, 3i31-3i3j designates receivedelectronic messages and 3i4 designates an acceptability input devicerespectively.

An explanation of relative operations follows with reference to 6. Now,it is assumed that there are four message processing devices 3A, 3B, 3Cand 3D allotted to each one of the four message operators A, B, C and Drespectively. For each of the acceptability indicators 3A1, 3B1 and 3C1,"NO" is designated and for acceptability indicator 3D1, "YES" isdesignated. Further, for deputy operator specifier 3A2, 3B2 and 3C2,"B", "C" and "D" are designated respectively. The operator D is actingindirectly as a deputy process operator of the message operator A andthe electronic message transmitted to the message process operator Aoriginally is left unprocessed as received electronic messages3D31-3D3j. (FIG. 6(a))

When the operator C changes the designation of the acceptabilityindicator 3C1 to "YES" by the acceptability input device 3C4 because ofany reason, the recall transmission controller 4 checks the deputyoperator specifier 3C2. In this case, as "D" is designated, the recalltransmission controller 4 starts to check conditions of the electronicmessage processing device 3D allocated to the operator D. Since theacceptability indicator 3D1 of the operator D is designated as "YES" andthe received electronic messages 3D31-3D3j are left unprocessed in theelectronic message receiver 3D3, the recall transmission controller 4transmits the received electronic messages 3D31-3D3j to the electronicmessage processing device 3C and the messages are stored in theelectronic message receiver 3C3 as the received electronic messages3C31-3C3j. Thus, the electronic messages, which the operator C receivedas an indirect deputy of the message operator A under the condition ofacceptability being "NO" and were transferred to the deputy operator D,are recalled when the operator C returns to the condition ofacceptability being "YES" (FIG. 6(b)

Similarly afterward, supposing that the operator A changes thedesignation of acceptability indicator 3A1 within the electronic messageprocessing device 3A to "YES" by the acceptability input device 3A4. Therecall-transmission controller 4 checks the deputy operator specifier3A2 and recognizes the operator B is designated as a deputy operator.Then, the recall transmission controller 4 checks the acceptabilityindicator 3B1 and the deputy operator specifier 3B2 within theelectronic message processing device 3B and recognizes the acceptabilityindicator 3B1="NO" and the deputy operator specifier 3B2="C". In theelectronic message receiver 3B3, no received electronic message existsthen and therefore, the recall transmission controller 4 starts to makefurther checking of the electronic message processing device allocatedto the operator C designated as a deputy of the deputy operator B. Sincethe acceptability indicator 3C1 within the electronic message processingdevice 3C is "YES" and the received electronic messages 3C31-3C3j areleft unprocessed in the electronic message receiver 3C3, therecall-transmission controller 4 transmits the received electronicmessages 3C31-3C3j to the electronic message processing device 3A andthe messages are stored in the electronic message receiver 3A3 asreceived electronic messages 3A31-3A3j. Accordingly, if there are someelectronic messages left unprocessed among those transferred to a deputyoperator of the operator A under the condition of the operator A beingunable to process even after the operator A returns to the availableconditions, they are recalled to the electronic message processingdevice 3A of the original operator A. (FIG. 6(c))

As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible tocarry out a smoother message transmission under exact and correctprocessing and judgements by highly response and committed persons byrecalling unprocessed messages among those which were transmitted whilethe acceptability indicator of the message process operator on duty is"NO" to the original message process operator when the acceptabilityindicator returns to "YES".

Embodiment 3

The third embodiment relating to this invention will be described asfollows based on FIGS. 7 to 8.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a message transmission system in anembodiment of this invention. In FIG. 7, 1 is an electronic messageinput device, 2 is a transmission controller, 3A-3n are electronicprocessing devices and 5A-5n are deputy process noticing devicesrespectively.

An explanation of relative operations follows with reference to FIG. 8.Now, it is assumed that there are four message operators A, B, C and Dand electronic message processing devices 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D are allottedto the message operators A, B, C and D respectively. For each of theacceptability indicators 3A1, 3B1 and 3C1, "NO" is designated and for3D1, "YES" is designated. Further, for deputy operator specifier 3A2,"B" is designated and for 3B2 and 3C2, "D" is designated respectively.

When a message N1 addressing to the message operator A, that is, anoriginal message operator specifier in N1 being "A" as a supplementalinformation of N1 is input from the electronic message input device 1,the transmission controller 2 checks the acceptability indictor 3A1 andthe deputy operator specifier 3A2 and then recognizes the acceptability3A1="NO" and the deputy operator specifier 3A2="B".

As the acceptability indicator 3A 1 is "NO", the transmission controller2 further checks the electronic message processing device 3B allocatedto the message operator B designated by the deputy operator specifier3A2. Since the acceptability indicator 3B1 is "NO" and the deputyoperator specifier 3B2 is "D", the transmission controller 2 checks theelectronic message processing device 3D allocated to the messageoperator D. Then, the message N1 is stored in an electronic messagereceiver 3D3 as a received electronic message 3D31, since theacceptability indicator 3D1 is "YES".

Similarly, when a message N2 addressed to the operator C, that is, anoriginal message operator specifier in N2 being "C" as supplementalinformation of N2, is input from the electronic message input device 1,the transmission controller 2 recognizes that the acceptabilityindicated 3C1="NO" and the deputy operator specifier 3C2="D". As 3C1 is"NO", the transmission controller 2 further checks the electronicmessage processing device 3D allocated to the operator D designated bythe deputy operator specifier 3C2. Since the acceptability indicator 3D1is "YES", the message N2 is stored in the electronic message receiver3D3 as a received electronic message 3D32. (FIG. 8(a))

The operator D processes the received electronic messages 3D31 and 3D32by operating the electronic message processing device 3D which wastransferred in a similar manner as described above.

Firstly, the received electronic message 3D31 (=message N1) is pickedout from the electronic message receiver 3D3. After the receivedelectronic message 3D31 is processed by the operator D, the receivedelectronic message 3D31 is removed from the electronic message receiver3D3. However, since the original message operator specifier of thereceived electronic message 3D31 indicates "A", a deputy processingnoticing device 5D tries to inform that the operator D has processed themessage by deputy which should be processed originally by the operatorA. Thereby, the deputy processing noticing device 5D transmits anelectronic message N1' to the electronic message processing device 3Aallocated to the operator A which notifies that the operator D hasprocessed the message N1 as a deputy. However, this notifying message isout of object from electronic messages handed by a so-called deputymechanism. (Fig. 8(b))

Similarly also, when the received electronic message 3D32 (=message N2)is picked out from the electronic message receiver 3D3 and the messageis processed by the operator D, since the original message operatorspecifier of the received electronic message 3D32 indicates "C", thedeputy processing noticing device 5D tries to inform that operator D hasprocessed the message by deputy which should be processed originally bythe operator C. Thereby, the deputy processing noticing device 5Dtransmits an electronic message N2' to the electronic message processingdevice 3C allocated to the operator C which notifies that the operator Dhas processed as a deputy the message N2. (FIG. 8(c))

As described above, according to this embodiment, it can be known whichmessage is processed by which deputy operator and message transmissionscan be carried out with an exact process status during the acceptabilityindicator being "NO" because the deputy processing noticing devicesinform to the original message operator that an electronic message wasprocessed by the deputy operator from among the messages transmittedduring the acceptability indicator of the message operator on duty being"NO" accordingly.

Embodiment 4

The fourth embodiment relating to this invention will be described asfollows based on FIGS. 9 to 14:

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a message transmission status advisingsystem in an embodiment of this invention. In FIG. 9, 1 is an electronicmessage input device, 2 is a transmission controller, 3A, 3B-- areelectronic message processors, 40 is a transmission path memory unit, 50is a processing position memory unit and 6 is a processing positionindicating device respectively.

FIG. 10 is a drawing showing an example of memory types of thetransmission path memory unit 40 where 41 is an electronic messageclassification column and 42 is a transmission route column.

FIG. 11 is a drawing showing an example of memory types of theprocessing position memory unit 50 where 51 is an electronic messageidentification column and 52 is an electronic message processor codecolumn.

An explanation of the operation of the message transmission statusadvising system follows, wherein electronic messages are identified byID numbers and the electronic message processors 3A, 3B-- are identifiedby codes A, B--.

Now, it is assumed that an electronic message "CC" is input from theelectronic message input device 1. Firstly, a message controller 7 givesthis message an ID number and returns its numeric value (e.g. "#1000")to the electronic message input device 1. A user recognizes that the IDnumber of prepared electronic message is "#1000" by this and he cancheck a message transmission status by using this value afterward.

Next, the transmission controller 7, since a classification of theelectronic message #1000 is "CC", retrieves the transmission path column42, wherein the electronic message classification column 41 within thetransmission path memory unit 40 is "DD", and obtains a transmissionpath "A→B→C→D".

The following operations are to be carried out for the obtained routeP(P (1)=A, P (2)=B, P (3)=C, P (4)=D), wherein |P| indicates a length ofthe transmission path and #N indicates an ID number of the electronicmessage. In this example, |P|=4 and N=1000.

As shown in a flowchart of FIG. 12, at first, i, which is a parameter ofP, is to be initialized as 1 (S1) and the electronic message #N is to betransmitted (S2) to an electronic message processor 3 {P (i)} for anidentification code P (i).

However, since the i is 1, the electronic message #N is transmitted tothe electronic message processor 3 {P (i)}=A. Then, a judgement is to bemade if #N exists in the electronic message identification code column51 within the processing position memory unit 50 or not (S3). If thejudgement is yes, a value of the electronic message processor codecolumn 52 corresponding to #N is to be changed to P (i) (S4). Whereas ifthe judgement is no, information of the electronic messageidentification code column 51=#N and electronic message processor codecolumn 52=P (i) are to be additionally registered in the processingposition memory unit (S5).

Then, it is judged (S6) whether the processing in the electronic messageprocessor 3 {P (i)} is finished or not. If the processing is notfinished, its judgement, i.e., step 6, is to be kept on. Whereas if theprocessing is finished, i.e. if the electronic message #N is returned tothe transmission controller 7, the i is to be increased by 1 (1<-i+1)(S7).

Next, the judgement is to be made if i <|P| is yes or not, i.e., tojudge if the number i element still remains in the transmission path ornot. If the number i element remains, the operation returns to step 2.While if the number i element does not remain, the information of theelectronic message identification code column 51=#N within theprocessing position memory unit 50 is to be deleted from theregistration and the operation finishes.

The user can confirm the message transmission status during the messagetransmission/processing being made according to the procedures mentionedabove. If an ID number of the electronic message for knowing itstransmission status is given to the processing position indicationdevice 6 (in this case, its value is "#1000" and it is notified by thetransmission controller 7 when the electronic message is input from theelectronic message input device 1), the processing position indicationdevice 6 checks the electronic message identification number 51 withinthe processing position memory unit 50. If the object ID number isidentified, the electronic message processor number column 52corresponding to it can be obtained.

FIG. 13 illustrates changes within the processing position memory unit50 when the electronic messages are being transmitted to thetransmission path in order of A→B→C→D, wherein:

(a) shows a status before an electronic message is issued,

(b) shows a status of the electronic message being transmitted to theelectronic message processor A as an ID number #1000 after theelectronic message is issued,

(c) shows a status of the electronic message being transmitted to theelectronic message processor 3B after being processed in the electronicmessage processor 3A,

(d) shows a status of the electronic message being transmitted to theelectronic message processor 3C after being processed in the electronicmessage processor 3B,

(e) shows a status of the electronic message being transmitted to theelectronic message processor 3D after being processed in the electronicmessage processor 3C, and

(f) shows a status of the electronic message of ID number #1000disappearing after being processed in the electronic message processor3D.

Namely, the processing position indicating device 6 can tell theprogress of the process to a transmitter by properly-referring thecontent of the processing position memory unit 50 and indicating theprogress on a display. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing its operation. Atfirst, ID number #N of the electronic message for required processingposition (S11) is input. Then, an object ID number from the electronicmessage identification number 51 within the processing position memoryunit 50 (S12) is retrieved and a judgement is made on whether the objectID number is found or not (S13). If the object ID number is found, theelectronic message processor code column 52 paired with the electronicmessage identification number #N is indicated on a display.

Embodiment 5

The fifth embodiment relating to this invention will be described asfollows based on FIGS. 15 to 17:

In the above-mentioned embodiment, only an electronic message processingposition may be indicated. However, in this embodiment, the processingposition indicating device 6 is so designed to indicate an electronicmessage processing position in a chart together with a transmission pathby combining the contents of the processing position memory unit 50further with those of the transmission path memory unit 40.

FIG. 15 shows examples of the chart.

FIG. 15(a) is an example where, since an electronic messageclassification of ID #1000 is "UU", the processing position indicatingdevice 6 displays on a screen a transmission path A→B→C→D in a chart andat the same time indicates the "C" in an emphasized way for recognizingthat the respective message is transmitted to the electronic messageprocessor 3C. FIG. 16 shows a variety of examples of the content of theprocessing position memory unit 50 to be referred in this process and 54is an electronic message classification column. This shows that theelectronic message #1000 is under transmission to the electronic messageprocessor C.

FIG. 17(a) is a flowchart showing this process. Firstly, in the same wayas in the Embodiment 1, ID number #N of the electronic message for therequired processing position (S21) is input and an equivalent of #N inthe electronic message identification code column 51 from the processingposition memory unit 50 (S22) is retrieved. Then, a judgement is made onwhether the ID number #N is found or not (S23) and if the ID number #Nis not found, the process is finished. Whereas if the ID number #N isfound, an identification by retrieval from the electronic messageclassification column 54 that the electronic classification k beingpaired with the electronic message identification code #N is made (inthe above-mentioned example, classification k is "DD") (S24). A path ofthe classification k from the transmission path memory unit 40 isobtained and indicated in a chart (S25). Next, the electronic messageprocessing device code 1 being paired with the electronic messageidentification code #N is identified (in the above-mentioned example,device code 1 is C) (S26). Afterward, in an emphasized way, the part "C"corresponding to the electronic message processor code 1 is indicatedwithin the transmission path (S27) and the process is finished.

FIG. 15(b) is an example of indication in a chart wherein the number ofelectronic messages under transmission obtained from the processingposition memory unit 50 referring individual electronic messageprocessors A-D for the transmission path A→B→C→D are graphicallyindicated and at the same time, required messages are indicated in anemphasized way. FIG. 16(b) shows a variety of examples of the content ofthe processing position memory unit 50 referred to in this process and53 is an electronic message transmission time column and 54 is anelectronic message classification column. The electronic message #1000is under transmission to the electronic processor 3C. Further, fourelectronic messages #920, #940, #1000 and #1020 are being transmitted tothe electronic processor C and #1000 is the third one from theelectronic message transmission time column as far as the electronicprocessor 3C is concerned. Therefore, for drawing transmitters'attention, the third electronic message indicated on the electronicprocessor 3C is to be emphasized.

FIG. 17(b) is a flowchart showing this process. Firstly, as mentionedabove, ID number #N of the electronic message for required processingposition (S31) is input and an equivalent of #N in the electronicmessage identification code column S1 is retrieved from the processingposition memory unit 50 (S32) . Then a judgement is made on whether theID number #N is found or not (S33). If the ID number #N is not found,the process is finished. Whereas if the ID number #N is found, anidentification by retrieval that the electronic message classification kbeing paired with the electronic identification code #N is made (in theabove example, classification k is "UU") from the electronic messageclassification column 54 (S34). A transmission path Pk (in the aboveexample, Pk=A→B→C→D) of the classification k is obtained and indicatedin a chart (S35). Then, a variable j is initialized to 1 (S36) and anequivalent of the electronic message processor Pk(j) is retrieved fromthe processing position memory unit 50 (S37). Further, electronicmessages are indicated in the form of square frames, which areequivalent to only the number of the electronic message processorcorresponding to this code, and additionally indicated on the upper partcorresponding to the electronic message processor Pk(j) within theindicate transmission path Pk (S38). Then, j is increased by 1 (S39) anda judgement is made on whether an element of number j still remains inthe transmission path or not (S40). If an element of number j stillremains, the process returns to step 37. Whereas if an element of numberj does not remain, the process proceeds to step 41. In step 41, anequivalent of the electronic message identification code #N is retrievedfrom the processing position memory unit 50 and the electronic processorcode q being paired with the identification code #N is obtained. Then,electronic messages are sorted out which the electronic messageprocessor determines to be corresponding to this code from theelectronic transmission time column in order of time and a numeric valuem which identifies a number equivalent to the electronic messageidentification code #N (S42) is obtained. In an emphasized way, thenumber m electronic message being indicated upon the upper partcorresponding to the electronic message processor code 1 shown in chart(S42) is indicated and the process is finished.

As described above, according to this embodiment, a message transmissionstatus advising device for enabling visual recognition of processing canbe realized.

Furthermore, the electronic message input device 1, the electronicmessage processor 3 {P (i)}} and the processing position indicatingdevice 6 are separated individually in the above embodiments, but itwill be possible to control the electronic message ID number by a workstation uniformly made with an optional combination of each. In thiscase, when an electronic message input or an electronic message forprocessing is being transmitted, the above-mentioned indicationprocessing can be carried out, for example, by indicating an electronicmessage iconography and making a click selection of the electronicmessage.

Embodiment 6

The sixth embodiment relating to this invention will be described asfollows based on FIGS. 18 to 22:

FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a message transmission device in anembodiment of this invention. In FIG. 18, 801 is a receiving device, 802is a transmission information separating device, 803 is a transmissionstatus memory controller, 804 is a transmission information composingdevice, 805 is a transmitting device A, and 806 is a storage regionrespectively. FIG. 19 is a drawing showing an example of an electronicmessage structure where 820 is an electronic message, 830 is atransmission information, 831 is a transmission mode, 832 is anelectronic message identification code, 833 is a transmission path, and840 is the body of the electronic message respectively. FIG. 20 is adrawing showing an example of memory types of the storage region 806where 851 is an electronic message identification code column and 852 isa transmission path column.

An explanation of the relative operations according to the processflowchart indicted in FIG. 21 is as follows:

(Start)--Carrying out the following operations whenever a new electronicmessage comes in.

(1001)--The receiving device 801 receives the electronic message.

(1002)--The transmission separation device 802 separates the electronicmessage into the transmission information 830 and the text 840.

(1003)--The transmission status memory controller 803 carries outprocessing depending on a value of the transmission mode 831 within themessage information 830 i.e., if the value of the transmission mode 831is "Transmission", the process proceeds to (1004) if the value of thetransmission mode 831 is "Notice" the process proceeds to (1008) and ifthe value of the transmission mode is "Complete" to (1011) respectively.

(1004)--The transmitting device S gives a "Finish" code to the relevantaddress (own address) in a transmission path written on the transmissionpath 833 and specifies processing by the relevant electronic messagetransmission device.

(1005)--The transmission status memory controller 803 checks if there isa next address to which the electronic message 820 should be transmitted(recall) or not depending on the contents of the transmission path 833.If there is a next address, the process proceeds to (1006) and if thereis not a next address, the process proceeds to (1007).

(1006)--The transmission status memory controller 803 additionallystores in the storage region 806 a set of the electronic transmissionidentification code 832 and the transmission path 833, i.e. contents ofthe electronic transmission identification code 832, are additionallyregistered in the electronic message identification code column 851within the transmission information 830 and those of transmission pathin transmission path column 852 within the same.

(1007)--The electronic transmission 820 carries out its objectiveoperation by a means not indicated in chart i.e., processing for thetext (such as approval), and proceeds to (1012) after completion of theprocess.

(1008)--The transmission status memory controller 803 checks if the samecontents indicated in the electronic message identification code 832within the transmission information 830 are stored (registered) in theelectronic message identification code column 851 within the memoryregion 806 or not. If the information is already registered, it proceedsto (1009) and if the information is not registered, the process proceedsto (1010).

(1009)--The transmission status memory controller 803 rewrites contentsof the transmission path column 8S2 to those of the transmission path833 for a set of the electronic message identification code column 851and the transmission path column already stored and proceeds to (1012)next.

(1010)--The transmission status memory controller 803 additionallystores in the storage region a set of the electronic messageidentification code 832 and the transmission path 833 within thetransmission information 830. That is, contents of the electronicmessage identification code 832 are additionally registered in theelectronic message identification code column 833 within the memoryregion 806 and those of transmission path 833 in the transmission pathcolumn 8B2 within the same. The content of this process is the same asthat in (1006). Then the process proceeds to (1012) next.

(1011)--The transmission status memory controller 803 detects the samecontent as indicated in the electronic message identification code 832within the transmission information 806 from the electronic messageidentification code column within the same and deletes its informationfrom the electronic message identification code column 851 and thetransmission path column 852 and proceeds to (1012) next.

(1012)--The transmission information composing device 804 composes thetransmission information 830 and the text 840 to form the electronicmessage 820.

(1013)--The transmitting device 805 checks a value of the transmissionmode 831 within the transmission information 830. If its result is"Transmission", the process proceeds to (1014) and if the result is not"Transmission", the process proceeds to (1018).

(1014)--The transmitting device A805 checks, depending on the content ofthe transmission path, if there is a next address to which theelectronic message 820 having finished the text processing should betransmitted or not. If the text processing should be transmitted, theprocess proceeds to (1015) and if the text processing should not betransmitted, the process proceeds to (1017).

(1015)--The transmitting device A805 transmits the electronic message820 to the next address to relevant address in the transmission pathwritten in the transmission path 833.

(1016)--The transmitting device A805 changes the contents of thetransmission code within the transmission information 830 from"Transmission" to "Notice" and proceeds to (1018).

(1017)--The transmitting device A805 changes the contents of thetransmission mode 831 from "Transmission" to "Completion" and proceedsto (1018).

(1018)--The transmitting device A805 checks the contents of thetransmission mode 831 and if its value is either one of "Notice" or"Completion", proceeds to (1019) and if not, proceeds to (Finish).

(1019)--The transmitting device A805 checks if there is any prioraddress to the relevant address to which the processing status of theelectronic message should be noticed or not. If there is any relevantprior address, the process proceeds to (1020) and if there is not anyrelevant prior address, the process proceeds to (Finish).

(1020)--The transmitting device A805 transmits the electronic message820 to one address prior to the relevant address in the transmissionpath written on the transmission path 833.

(Finish) A series of processing for the received electronic messagesfinishes.

The above operation will be described more specifically using examplesin FIG.

Now, the electronic message identification code 832 is expressed by aseries number #N and the transmission path 833 in order of addressessuch as t1, t2, t3 . . . tn. Further, the "Finished" code oftransmission is shown as `*` and *t1 *t2 t3 . . . tn expresses that thetransmission to t1 and t2 out of t1 . . . tn is finished and isunderstood by processing at t3. Nothing is to be considered as beingstored in the storage region under an initial state.

(a) When an electronic message (transmission mode, electronic messageidentification code, transmission path text )=( "Transmission", #500(*a1, *a2, p, a4, a5) , text #500) is received by the transmittingdevice 801, the transmission status memory device recognizes thetransmission mode 831 as being "Transmission" and puts `*` to therelevant address p within the transmission path 833 making it as *p andregisters a set (electronic message identification code, transmissionpath) =(#500, (*a1, *a2, *p, a4, a5) in the storage region 806. Thetransmitting device A805 recognizes the transmission mode as being"Transmission" and after transmitting an electronic message(transmission, #500, (*a1, *a2, *p, a4, a5), text #500) to the nextaddress a4 to the relevant address, transmits an electronic message(Notice, #500, (*a1, *a2, *p, a4, a5), text #500) to one prior addressa2 to the relevant address changing the transmission mode 831 to"Notice".

(b) When an electronic message (transmission, #510, (*b1, *b2, *b3, p),text #510) is received by the receiving device 801, the transmissionstatus memory controller 803 recognizes the transmission mode as being"Transmission" and puts `*` to the relevant address p within thetransmission path 833 to make it as *p. However, since p is at the endof the transmission path 833, the registration of a set (electronicmessage identification code, transmission path)=(#510, (*b1, *b2, *b3,*p) to the storage region 806 is not carried out. The transmittingdevice A805, since the transmission mode is "Transmission" and p is atthe end of the transmission path, changes the transmission mode 831 to"Completion" and transmits an electronic message of (completion, #510,(*b1, *b2, *b3, *p), text #510)) to one prior address b3 to the relevantaddress.

(c) When an electronic message (Notice, #500,-(*a1, *a2, *p, *a4, a5),text #500) is received by the receiving device 801, the transmissionstatus memory controller 803 recognizes the transmission mode 831 asbeing "Notice" and checks if there is a set of "Electronic messageidentification code=#500" within the storage region 806 or not. In thiscase, as there exists the respective set, the transmission status memorycontroller 803 makes renewal of the transmission path of the set to(*a1, *a2, *p, *a4, a5). The transmitting device A805 transmits theelectronic message (Notice, #500, (*a1, *a2, *p, *a4, a5), text #500) toone prior address a2 to the relevant address.

(d) When an electronic message (Notice, #520, (*p, c2, c3), text #520)is received by the receiving device 801, the transmission status memorycontrolling 803 recognizes the transmission mode 831 as being "Notice"and checks if there is a set of "Electronic transmission identificationcode=#520" within the storage region 806 or not. In this case, as thereexists no such set, the transmission status memory controller 803registers a set (electronic message identification code, transmissionpath)=(#520, (*p, c2, c3)). The transmitting device A805, since thetransmission mode is "Notice" and p is at the head of the transmissionpath, does not transmit any electronic message of (Notice, #520, (*p,C2, C3), text #520).

(e) When an electronic message of (completion, #500, (*a1, *a2, *p, *a4,*15) , text #500) is received by the receiving device 801, thetransmission status memory controller 803 recognizes the transmissionmode as being "Completion" and checks a set of "Electronic messageidentification code=#500" within the storage region 806 and deletes arespective set. The transmitting device A805, since the transmissionmode 831 is "Completion", transmits the electronic message of(completion, #500, (*a1, *a2, *p, *a4, *a5), text #500) to one prioraddress a2 to the relevant address.

As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible tograsp the transmission status of electronic messages by providing atransmission information which indicates a transmission path and a rangeof finished transmission as a collateral information of the electronicmessage and by having a transmission memory device check transmissioninformation within the electronic message being transmitted. Further,being provided with a storage region for memorizing the result ofchecking, users can recognize transmission status of the electronicmessage in question by referring to the contents of the storage regionat any time.

In this case, the transmitting device A805 makes notice of thetransmission information showing its status by a relay system one afteranother and so a heavy traffic for notice can be avoided.

Furthermore, the text is included in an electronic message for noticinga transmission status to one prior address to the relevant address inthis embodiment, but the text can be omitted.

Embodiment 7

The seventh embodiment relating to this invention will be described asfollows based on FIGS. 23 to 25:

FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing a message transmission processor inan embodiment of this invention.

In FIG. 23, the elements having the same numbers as in FIG. 18 are thesame as in the sixth embodiment and 815 is a transmitting device B.

An explanation of relative operations according to the process flowchartindicated in FIG. 23 is as per below: The operations, except those ofthe transmitting device B, i.e., (2001)-(2012), are identical with(1001)-(1012) in the sixth embodiment (FIG. 19) and so operations(2013)-(Finish) only are explained herein.

(2013)--The transmitting device B815 checks a value of the transmissionmode 831 within the transmission information 830. If the value is"Transmission", the process proceeds to (2014) and if the value is not"Transmission", the process proceeds to (2018).

(2014)--The transmitting device B815 checks if there is any next addressto which the electronic message 820 having finished processing of thetext should be transmitted or not from the contents of the transmissionpath 833. If there is a next address for transmission, the processproceeds to (2015) and if there is not a next address for transmission,the process proceeds to (2017).

(2015)--The transmitting device B815 transmits the electronic message820 to the next address to the relevant address in the transmission pathwritten on the transmission path 833.

(2016)--The transmitting device B815 changes the contents oftransmission mode 831 within the transmission information 830 from"Transmission" to "Notice" and-next proceeds to (2018).

(2017)--The transmitting device B815 changes the contents oftransmission mode 831 from "Transmission" to "Completion" and proceedsto (2018) next.

(2018)--The transmitting device B815 checks if there is any prioraddress to the relevant address to which the processing status of theelectronic message 820 should be noticed from the contents of thetransmission path 833. If there is any prior address, the processproceeds to (2019) and if there is not any prior address, the processproceeds to (Finish).

(2019)--The transmission device B815 transmits the electronic message toone prior address to the relevant address in the transmission pathwritten on the transmission path 833.

(Finish) A series of processing for received electronic messagesfinishes.

The above operations will be described more specifically by using theexamples in FIG. 25.

(a) When an electronic message (transmission mode, electronic messageidentification code, transmission path, text)=(transmission, #500, (*a1,*a2, p, a4, a5), text #500) is received by the receiving device 801, thetransmission status memory controller 803 recognizes the transmissionmode 831 as being "Transmission" and puts `*` to the relevant address pwithin the transmission path 833 making it as *p and registers a set(electronic message code, transmission path)=(#500, (*a1, *a2, *p, a4,a5)) in the storage region 806. The transmission device B815 recognizesthe transmission mode 831 as being "Transmission" and after transmittingthe electronic message (transmission, #500, (*a1, *a2, *p, a4, a5), text#500) to the next address a4 to the relevant address, transmits anelectronic message (notice, #500, (*a1, *a2, *p, a4, a5), text #500) toall the prior addresses a1 and a2 to the relevant address changing thetransmission mode to "Notice".

(b) When an electronic message (transmission, #500, (*b1, *b2, *b3, p),text #510) is received by the receiving device 801, the transmissionstatus memory controller 803 recognizes the transmission mode as being"Transmission" and puts `*` to the relevant address p within thetransmission path 833 to make it as *p. However, since p is at the endof the transmission path 833, the registration of a set (electronicidentification code, transmission path)=(#510, (*b1, *b2, *b3, *p)) inthe storage region 806 is not carried out. The transmitting device B815,since the transmission mode is "Transmission" and p is at the end of thetransmission path 833, changes the transmission mode 831 to "Notice" andtransmits an electronic message of (notice, #510, (*b1, *b2, *b3, *p),text #510)) to all the prior addresses B1, B2 and B3 to the relevantaddress.

(c) When an electronic message (notice, #500, (*a1, *a2, *p, *a4, *a5),text #500) is received by the receiving device 801, the transmissionstatus memory controller 803 recognizes the transmission mode as being"Notice" and checks if there is a set of "Electronic transmissionidentification code=500: within the storage region 806 or not. In thiscase, as there exists the respective set, the transmission status memorycontroller 803 makes a renewal of the transmission path of the set to(*a1, *a2, *p, *a4, *a5). The transmitting device B815 will not make anytransmission as the transmission mode is "Notice".

(d) When an electronic message (notice, #520, (*p, c2, c3), text #520)is received by the receiving device 801, the transmission status memorycontroller 803 recognizes the transmission mode as being "Notice" andchecks if there is a set of "Electronic transmission identificationcode=#520" within the storage region 806 or not. In this case, as thereexists no such set, the transmission status memory controller 803registers a set (electronic transmission identification code,transmission path)=(#520, (*p, c2, c3)) in the storage region 806.

(e) When an electronic message (completion, #500, (*a1, *a2, *p, *a4,*a5), text #500) is received by the receiving device 801, thetransmission status memory controller 803 recognizes the transmissionmode as being "Completion" and checks a set of "Electronic transmissionidentification code=#500" within the storage region 806 and deletes therelative one. The transmitting device B815 will not make anytransmission as the transmission mode is "Completion".

As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible tograsp the transmission status of electronic messages by providing atransmission information-which indicates a transmission path and a rangeof finished transmission as a collateral information of the electronicmessage and by having a transmission status memory controller checktransmission information within the electronic message beingtransmitted. Further, being provided with a storage region formemorizing the result of checking, users can recognize the transmissionstatus of the electronic message in question by referring to thecontents of the storage region at any time.

In this case, the transmitting device B makes notice of the transmissioninformation showing its status to all the addresses at a time and,therefore, a smooth and quick notice can be carried out.

Furthermore, the text is included in an electronic message for noticinga transmission status to all the prior addresses to the relevant addressin this embodiment also, but the text can be omitted.

Embodiment 8

The eighth embodiment relating to this invention will be described asfollows based on FIGS. 26 to 31:

FIG. 26 is a block diagram showing a message transmission device in anembodiment of this invention. In FIG. 26, 801 is a receiving device, 102is a classification information separating device, 103 is a transmissioninformation forming device, 804 is a transmission information composingdevice, 105 is a transmitting device and 106 is a transmission pathmemory unit respectively. FIG. 27 is a drawing showing an example of astructure of electronic message being input where 120 is an electronicmessage being input, 130 is a classification information, 131 is anelectronic message classification, 132 is an electronic messageidentification code, 133 is a transmitter address and 140 is a textrespectively. A structure of an electronic message being output is thesame as that of the first embodiment. FIG. 28 is a drawing showing anexample of memory types of the transmission path memory unit 106 where151 is an electronic message classification column and 152 is a basictransmission path column.

An explanation follows of the relative operations according to theprocessing flowchart shown in FIG. 29:

(Start) The following operations are carried out whenever a newelectronic message comes in.

(3001)--The receiving device 801 receives the electronic message 120.

(3002)--The classification information separating device 102 separatesthe received electronic message 120 into the classification information130 and the text 840.

(3003)--The transmission information forming device 103 retrieves fromthe electronic message classification column 151 within the basictransmission path memory unit 106 the message identical with thecontents shown in the electronic message classification 132 within theclassification information 130 and obtains a basic transmission pathcorresponding to the electronic transmission classification 131.

(3004)--The transmission information forming device 103 puts thetransmitter address 133 to the head of the obtained basic transmissionpath and also a special terminal address (e.g., `s`) to its end andforms the transmission path 833.

(3005)--The transmission information forming device 103 gives a"Finished" code to the head address (=the transmitter address 133) inthe transmission path written on the transmission path 833 within thetransmission information 830.

(3006)--The transmission information forming device 103 forms thetransmission information 830 from the transmission mode 831 having avalue of "Transmission", where the electronic message identificationcode 832 is a copy of the electronic message identification code 132 andthe transmission path 833.

(3007)--The transmission information composing device 804 composes thetransmission information 830 and the text 849 into the electronicmessage 820.

(3008)--The transmitting device C105 transmits the electronic message820 to the next address in the transmission path written on thetransmission path 833, i.e., the head address of the basic transmissionpath 133.

(3009)--The transmitting device C105 changes the contents of thetransmission mode within the transmission information 830 from"Transmission" to "Notice".

(3010)--The transmitting device C105 transmits the electronic message tothe head address to which its processing status should be noticed, i.e.,to the transmitter address 133.

(Finish) A series of processing for the received electronic messagesfinishes.

The above operations will be described more specifically by using thefollowing examples. Now, supposing that there are documents A-E aselectronic message classifications and their basic transmission pathsRA-RE are RA=(a2, a3, a4), RB=(B2, B3), RC=(c2), RD=(d2, d3, d4),RE=(e2, e3), then, the contents of the transmission path memory unitwill become the same as in FIG. 30.

When the electronic message shown in FIG. 31 (electronic messageclassification, electronic message identification code, transmitteraddress, message body)=(document D, #600, `s`, #600) is received by thetransmitting device 801, the classification information separatingdevice 192 separates the electronic message into the classificationinformation 130 and the 140.

Then, the transmission information forming device 103 forms thetransmission information 830 in the following procedures:

(a) Since the electronic message classification 131 within theclassification information 130 is "Document D", the transmissioninformation forming device 103 retrieves the electronic messageclassification column 151="Document "D" from the transmission pathmemory unit 106. As a result, a set (electronic message classification,basic transmission path) =(document D, (d2, d3, d4)) can be obtained.

(b) The transmitter address 133 and the terminal address are given tothe basic transmission path obtained in (a) and a transmission path =(s,d2, d3, d4, z) is formed.

(c) A "Finished" code is given to the head address of the transmissionpath 833 formed in (b) and the transmission path=(*s, d2, d3, d4, z) isformed.

(d) The transmission information=(transmission, #600, (*s, d2, d3, d4,z) is formed from the contents of the electronic message identificationcode 132 and the result of (c).

After this, the transmission information composing device 804 composesthe transmission information 830 and the text 840 and (transmissionmode, electronic message identification code, transmission path,text)=(transmission, #600, (*s, d2, d3, d4, s), text #600). Thetransmitting device C105 transmits the composed electronic message 820to the next address (=`d2`) and after changing the transmission mode to"Notice", transmits the electronic message (notice, #600, (*s, d2, d3,d4, z), text #600) to the transmitter address 133 (=`s`).

As described above, according to this embodiment, by providing atransmission information showing its path including a transmitteraddress in accordance with its classification and a range of finishedtransmission as a collateral information, the transmission informationcan be made as if its path were determined already at the transmitter'sside. Since the transmitter address is included in the course of thetransmission path, a circulation of the messages and notice of thetransmission status to the transmitter address in a relay systemaccording to the transmission path are possible without providing anyspecial transmission controller.

Further, in this embodiment, a basic transmission path is determined inadvance (fixed), however, as described in the prior example of Pat.Disclosure No. 62-25373 (filed in 1987), it can be decided by providinga deputy depending on the conditions at the time (variable).

Embodiment 9

The ninth embodiment relating to this invention will be described asfollows based on FIG. 32 to 34:

FIG. 32 is a block diagram showing a message transmission system in anembodiment of this invention. In FIG. 32, 201 is an electronic messagepreparation device, 202 is a transmission path determination device,203A, 203B-203n are message processors A and 204 is a terminal noticingdevice A respectively. FIG. 33 is a drawing showing a structure relatingto a primitive message preparation operation in the electronic messagepreparation device 201 where 211 is an electronic message textpreparation device, 212 is an electronic message identification codeproviding device, 213 is a classification information forming device,214 is a classification information composing device and 215 is aprimitive message transmitting device respectively.

Firstly, an explanation about the original message preparation operationof the electronic message preparation device 201 follows:

Users prepare the text of electronic messages to be circulated by usingthe electronic message identification code providing device 212.

After the text is prepared, the electronic message identification codeproviding device 212 forms an identification code which can identify theelectronic message for transmission of the prepared text as the primeone. The classification information forming device 213 forms theclassification information from the electronic message classification ofthe text prepared by the electronic message text preparation device 211,the electronic message identification code formed by the electronicmessage identification code providing device 212 and an address given tothe electronic message text preparation device 211. The classificationinformation composing device 214 composes the classification informationformed by the classification information forming device 213 and the textprepared by the electronic message text preparation device 211 andprepares the primitive message. Then, the primitive message transmittingdevice 215 transmits the primitive message to the transmission pathdetermination device 202. These operations can be carried out by usingelectronic mail functions such as UNIX.

Next, the following explanation is provided to explain how the primitivemessage prepared in this way will be circulated in the messagetransmission system of this embodiment by referring to FIG. 34. Now, itis assumed that the addresses of the electronic message preparationdevice 201, the transmission path determination device 202 and theterminal noticing device are s, r and z respectively and an address icorresponds with the message processor A203i:

(4001)--Assuming that users prepared an electronic message having aclassification of "Document T" by the electronic message preparationdevice 201, then, the electronic message preparation device 201transmits this document to the transmission path determination device202.

(4002)--The transmission path determination device 202 forms atransmission path (s, a, b, z) since the basic transmission path of"Document T" is (a, b). From this, the users recognize the operationalorder of the message processor A for transmission is to be in the orderof 203A and 203B. The primitive message prepared by the electronicmessage preparation device 201 is then processed and the electronicmessage is transmitted to the address a.

(4003)--In order to notice the electronic message having beentransmitted to the message processor A203A, the transmission pathdetermination device 202 transmits the respective message to theelectronic message preparation device 201. The electronic messagepreparation device 201 additionally memorizes the transmission status(*s, a, b, z) in its storage region.

(4004)--The message processor A203A receives the electronic messagetransmitted in (4002) and additionally memorizes the transmission status(*s, *a, b, z) in its storage region. After finishing processing of thetext, the electronic message is transmitted to the next address b, i.e.,the message process A203B.

(4005)--In order to notice the electronic message having beentransmitted to the message processor A203B, the message processor A203Atransmits the respective message to the electronic message preparationdevice 201. The electronic message preparation device 201 makes renewalof its storage region, memorizes the transmission status (*s, *a, b, z)in its storage region and recognizes that the processing in the messageprocessor A203A has been finished and the message is being transmittedby the change of the transmission status from (*s, a, b, z) to (*s, *a,b, z).

(4006) The message processor A203B receives the electronic messagetransmitted in (4004) and additionally memorizes-the transmission status(*s, *a, *b, z) in its storage region. After finishing processing of thetext, the processor A203B transmits the message to the next address z,i.e., the terminal noticing device A204.

(4007)-In order to notice the electronic message having been transmittedto the terminal noticing device A204, the message processor A203Btransmits the respective message to the message processor A203A. Themessage processor A203A makes renewal of its storage region andmemorizes the transmission status (*s, *a, *b, z) in its storage region.

(4008)--The message processor A203A retransmits the electronic messagereceived as a notice to one prior address as it is. The electronicmessage preparation device 201 makes renewal of its storage region andmemorizes the transmission status (*s, *a, *b, z) in its storage regionand also recognizes that the processing in the message processor A203Bhas been finished and the message is being transmitted to the terminalnoticing device 204 from the change of the transmission status (*s, *a,*b, z).

(4009)--The terminal noticing device A204 receives the electronicmessage transmitted in (4006) and transmits the message noticing acompletion of a series of the message transmission processing to oneprior address i.e., to the message processor A203B. The messageprocessor -A203B deletes the transmission status (*s, *a, *b, z) fromthe storage region and recognizes the completion of all the processingsince the transmission status has been deleted.

(4010)--The message processor A203B retransmits the electronic messagereceived as a completion to one prior address as it is. The messageprocessor A203A deletes transmission status (*s, *a, *b, z) from thestorage region and recognizes the completion of all the processing sincethe transmission status has been deleted.

(4011)--The message processor A203A retransmits the electronic messagereceived as a completion to one prior address as it is. The electronicmessage preparation device 201 deletes the transmission status (*s, *a,*b, z) from the storage region and recognizes the completion of all theprocessing since the transmission status has been deleted.

As described above, according to this embodiment, a circulation oftransmission of the primitive electronic messages prepared by electronicmessage preparation devices can be made in the order of a relay systemby providing the primitive electronic messages with a transmission pathdetermination device which provides a transmission information showingboth a transmission path including a transmitter address depending on anelectronic transmission classification and a range of finishedtransmission as collateral information of electronic messages, thetransmission processor A, which memorizes a transmission status of theelectronic messages one after another by checking transmissioninformation within the messages being transmitted, and the terminalnoticing device A carry out terminal processing of the circulation. Inthis time, users handling the message processor can transmit the messageautomatically without knowing to where the message should be circulated.Further, the users can check the transmission status of the requiredmessages by referring at any time to the contents of the storage regionprovided in the electronic message preparation device or messageprocessor A. In this case, since the message processor A notices thetransmission information ("Notice" and "Completion") showing thetransmission status one after another in a relay system, a heavy trafficfor the notice can be avoided.

Further, in this embodiment, a basic transmission path within thetransmission determination device is determined in advance (fixed),however, as in the prior example of Pat. Disclosure No. 62-25373 (filedin 1987) it can be determined by providing a deputy depending on theconditions at the time. Furthermore, if a structure of a transmissionpath determination device is made which includes a transmission pathdetermining device, a receiving device, an information separatingdevice, a transmission path memory device, a transmission informationforming device, a transmission information composing device and atransmission device and that of the transmission processor whichincludes a receiving device, a transmission information separatingdevice, a transmission status memory device, a memory control device, atransmission information composing device and a transmitting device,similar functions and effects can be expected without providing theterminal noticing device A.

Embodiment 10

The tenth embodiment relating to this invention will be described asfollows based on FIGS. 35 to 36:

FIG. 35 is a block diagram showing a transmission system in anembodiment of this invention. In FIG. 35, 201 is an electronic messagepreparation device, 202 is a transmission path determination device,233A, 233B-233n are message processors B and 234 is a terminal noticingdevice B respectively. An operation of primitive message preparation ofthe electronic message preparation device is the same as in the fourthembodiment.

An explanation follows for how the primitive message prepared by theelectronic message preparation device will be circulated in a messagetransmission system in this embodiment by referring FIG. 36. Now,assuming that addresses for the electronic message preparation device201, the transmission path determination device 202 and the terminalnoticing device are s, i and z respectively and the address icorresponds to the message processor B213i:

(5001)--Supposing that users prepared an electronic messageclassification of "Document T" by the electronic message preparationdevice 201, then, the electronic message preparation device 201transmits this document to the transmission path determination device202.

(5002)--The transmission path determination device 202 forms atransmission path (s, a, b, z) as the basic transmission path of"Document T" is (a, b). The users recognize the operational order of themessage processor B is in 233A and 233B. Then, the primitive messageprepared by the electronic message preparation device 201 is processedand transmitted to the address a.

(5003)--In order to notice the electronic message having beentransmitted to the message processor 5213A, the transmission pathdetermination device 202 transmits the respective message to theelectronic message preparation device 201. The preparation device 201additionally memorizes the transmission status (*s, a, b, z) in itsstorage region.

(5004)--The message processor B233A receives the electronic messagetransmitted in (5002) and additionally memorizes the transmission status(*s, *a, b, z) in its storage region. After finishing processing of thetext, the electronic message is transmitted to the next address b, i.e.,the transmission processor B233B.

(5005)--In order to notice the electronic message having beentransmitted to the message processor B233B, the message processor B233Atransmits the respective message to the electronic message preparationdevice 201. The electronic message preparation device 201 makes arenewal of its storage region and memorizes the transmission status (*s,*a, b, z) in its storage region and recognizes that the processing inthe message processor B233A has been finished and the message istransmitted to the processor B233B from the transmission status (*s, *a,b, z).

(5006)--The message processor B233B receives the electronic messagetransmitted in (5004) and additionally memorizes the transmission status(*s, *a, *b, z) in its storage region and after finishing processing ofthe text, transmits the message to the next address z, i.e., theterminal noticing device B234.

(5007)-(5008)--In order to notice the electronic message having beentransmitted to the terminal noticing device, the message processor B233Btransmits the respective message to all the prior addresses. The messageprocessor B233A makes a renewal of its storage region in (5007) andmemorizes the transmission status (*s, *a, *b, z) in its storage region.From this, it is recognized that the processing in the message processorB233B has been finished and the message being transmitted to theterminal noticing device B234. In (5008), the electronic messagepreparation device 201 makes a renewal of its storage region andmemorizes the transmission status (*s, *a, *b, z). From this, it isrecognized that the processing in the message processing device B233Bhas been finished and the message is transmitted to the terminalnoticing device B234.

(5009)-(5010)--The terminal noticing device B234 receives the electronicmessage transmitted in (5006) and transmits the message noticing that aseries of message transmission processing has been finished to all theprior addresses. In (5009), the message processor B233B deletes thetransmission status (*s, *a, *b, z) from its storage region. From this,the transmission processor B233A recognizes that all the processing hasbeen completed. In (5010), the message preparation device 201 deletesthe transmission status (*s, *a, *b, z) from its storage region andrecognizes that all the processing has been finished from this.

(5011)--The electronic message 201 deletes the transmission status (*s,*a, *b,-z) from its storage region and recognizes that all theprocessing has been completed.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the primitiveelectronic message prepared by the electronic message preparation devicecan be circulated one after another in a relay system by providing atransmission path determination device which provides a transmissionpath including a transmitter address depending on an electronictransmission classification and a transmission information showing arange of finished transmission as a collateral information, atransmission processor memorizing transmission status successively bychecking the message information being transmitted and a terminalnoticing device for carrying out terminal processing of the circulation.In this time, the users handling transmission processors can transmitthe relevant message automatically after processing without knowing towhere the relevant message should be circulated. Further the users, byreferring at any time to the contents of the storage region provided byan electronic message preparation device or message processor, canrecognize the transmission status of the required messages. In thiscase, the transmitting device B notices the transmission information("Notice" and "Completion") showing the transmission status to all theprior addresses to the relevant address shown in the transmission pathat a time, and a smooth notice without much delay can be made.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the basic transmission path within atransmission path determination device is determined in advance (fixed),but the basic transmission path can be determined depending on theconditions of the time by designating a deputy as in the prior exampleof Pat. Disclosure No. 62-25373 (filed in 1987). The same functions andeffects can be expected if a structure of a transmission pathdetermination device which includes a transmission path determiningdevice, a receiving device, an information separating device, atransmission device, a transmission information forming device, atransmission information composing device and a transmission device andthat of the message processor B which includes a receiving device, atransmission information separating device, a transmission status memorydevice, a memory control device, a transmission information composingdevice and a transmitting device.

In the case when the users do not need to know the transmission statusof the required message by referring to the contents of the storageregion except by an electronic message preparation device, thetransmission status can be given more simply by making the structure ofthe message processor B and the terminal noticing device B to include areceiving device, a transmission information separating device, atransmission status memory device, a memory control device, atransmission information composing device and a transmitting device.

As described above, according to this invention, it is possible toprovide a highly effective message transmission system in practical use,wherein; for the messages received by a message process operator who isto confirm the messages under the condition of being unable to confirmcan be confirmed without a delay by designating a deputy to whom themessages and their confirmation process are transferred. In the casewhere the process operator returns to the condition of being able toconfirm, a self-processing is possible by obtaining a notice of being adeputy process for the finished ones among those messages transferred tothe deputy process operator and by recalling the messages from thedeputy for outstanding ones.

Furthermore, according to this invention, another effective aspect inpractical use is that a transmission status of the message (advancingand delaying) can be grasped by both a transmitter side and a processoperator side in the course of a transmission path of the message andwhen there appears to be considerable delay in traffic, necessarymeasures can be taken such as issuing special instructions based on thisinformation.

Although the present invention has been fully described in connectionwith the preferred embodiments thereof with reference to theaccompanying drawings, it is to be noted that various changes andmodifications are apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes andmodifications are to be understood as included within the scope of thepresent invention as defined by the appended claims unless they departtherefrom.

What is claimed:
 1. A message transmission state noticing systemcomprising:an electronic message input device to input an electronicmessage; more than one electronic message processors each allocated toeach of persons who are obliged to process said electronic message; atransmission path memory means for memorizing a transmission path ofsaid electronic message; a processing position memory means formemorizing said electronic message processor in said transmission pathin which said electronic message is processed presently; a transmissioncontroller for transmitting an electronic message input by saidelectronic message input device to each of said electronic transmissionprocessors according to said transmission path memorized in saidtransmission path memory means and making said processing positionmemory memorize said electronic message processor in which saidelectronic message is under processing; and a processing positiondisplay means for displaying contents memorized in said processingposition memory means.
 2. A transmission status noticing systemaccording to claim 1 wherein said processing position display meansdisplays contents in said processing position memory means according tosaid transmission path memorized in said transmission path memory means.3. A message transmission apparatus comprising:a receiving means forreceiving an electronic message including transmission informationhaving transmission mode information showing each state oftransmission/notice/completion, electronic message identification codesand a transmission path expressed in an order of addresses and a text tobe processed; a transmission information separating means for separatingsaid transmission information from said text in said electronic message;a transmission status memory means for memorizing said transmissioninformation obtained from said transmission information separatingmeans; a memory control means for checking said transmission informationand up-dating said transmission status memory means so as to memorize aset of said electronic message identification code and said transmissionpath additionally after putting "Finished" code to a relevant addresswithin said transmission path if said transmission mode is"Transmission", renews said transmission path information related to aset having an electronic message identification code which coincideswith said electronic message identification code corresponding saidtransmission mode if it is "Notice", and deletes the set having onelectronic message identification code which coincides with saidelectronic message identification code corresponding to saidtransmission mode if it is "Completion"; a transmission informationcomposing means for composing said transmission information and saidtext having been processed; and a transmitting means for checking saidtransmission mode of said electronic message obtained by saidtransmission information composing means and transmitting saidtransmission mode to one prior address to the relevant address afterrenewing said transmission mode to "Notice" after transmitting saidelectronic message to the next address to the relevant address if it is"Transmission" and transmitting said transmission mode to one prioraddress to the relevant address in said transmission path if it is"Notice" or "Completion".
 4. A message transmission apparatus accordingto claim 3, wherein said transmitting means transmits said transmissionmode to one prior address to the relevant address after renewing saidtransmission mode to "Notice" and after transmitting said electronicmessage to said next address, if said transmission mode is"Transmission" i.e., if there exists a next address to the relevantaddress when said transmitting means checks said transmission mode ofsaid electronic message obtained from said transmission informationcomposing means and transmits said transmission mode to one prioraddress to the relevant address after renewing said transmission mode to"Completion" if there does not exist the next address to the relevantaddress.
 5. A message transmission apparatus according to claim 3,wherein said transmitting means transmits said transmission mode to allprior addresses to the relevant address after renewing said transmissionmode to "Notice" and after transmitting said electronic message to anext address to the relevant address if said transmission mode is"Transmission" and stops its operation if said transmission mode is"Notice" or "Completion".
 6. A message transmission apparatus accordingto claim 5, wherein said transmitting means transmits said transmissionmode to all prior addresses to the relevant address after renewing saidtransmission mode to "Notice" and after transmitting said electronicmessage to said next address if there exists a next address to therelevant address i.e. if said transmission mode is "Transmission" andtransmits said transmission mode to all prior addresses to the relevantaddress after renewing said transmission mode to "Completion" if theredoes not exit a next address to the relevant address.
 7. A messagetransmission apparatus comprising:a receiving means for receiving anelectronic message including transmission information havingtransmission mode information showing a each state oftransmission/notice/completion, electronic message identification codesand addresses and a transmission path expressed in an order of a text tobe processed, a transmission information separating means for separatingsaid transmission information from said text in said electronic message,a transmission status memory means for memorizing said transmissioninformation obtained from said transmission information separatingmeans; a memory control means for checking said transmission informationand up-dating said transmission status memory means so as to memorize aset of said electronic message identification code and said transmissionpath, if a relevant address is at the head of said transmission pathafter putting "Finished" code to the relevant address within saidtransmission path if said transmission mode is "Transmission", renewssaid transmission path information related to a set having an electronicmessage identification code which coincides with said electronictransmission identification code corresponding to said transmission modeif it is "Notice", and deletes the set having an electronic messageidentification code which coincides with said transmission mode if it is"Completion"; and a transmission information composing means forcomposing said transmission information and said text having beenprocessed and a transmitting means for checking said transmission modeof said electronic message obtained from said transmission informationcomposing means and transmitting said transmission mode to the head ofsaid transmission path after renewing said transmission more to "Notice"and after transmitting the electronic message to a next address to therelevant address if it is "Transmission" and if there exits a nextaddress to the relevant address and transmitting said transmission modeto the head of said transmission path after renewing said transmissionmode to "Completion" if it is "Transmission" and if there does not exitsa next address to the relevant address.
 8. A message transmissionapparatus according to claim 3, wherein said receiving means makes saidtransmission path memory means memorize said transmission pathinformation after renewing the same if a set having an electronicidentification code which coincides with the relevant one is found whensaid transmission mode is "Notice" and if not found, additionallymemorize a set of said electronic message identification code and saidtransmission path.
 9. A message transmission apparatus according toclaim 8, wherein said receiving means makes said transmission pathmemory means memorize said transmission path information after renewingthe same if a set having an electronic identification code whichcoincides with the relevant one is found when said transmission mode is"Notice" and if not found, additionally memorize a set of saidelectronic message identification code and said transmission path.
 10. Amessage transmission apparatus according to claim 8 further comprising:atext means for forming a text of an electronic message, a code means forgiving an electronic identification code; a kind information means forgenerating a kind information including a kind of the electronic messageto be transmitted; said electronic message identification code given bysaid code means for giving the same and addresses to be transmitted; acomposing means for composing said kind information and said text formedby said text means; and an original message transmission means fortransmitting an original electronic message composed by said composingmeans.
 11. A message transmission apparatus comprising:a transmissionpath determining device for receiving said original electronic messagefrom said electronic message forming apparatus and determining atransmission path of said electronic message comprising; a receivingmeans for receiving an electronic message including kind informationhaving an electronic message identification code, a kind of anelectronic message, addresses of destinations and a text; a kindinformation separating means for separating said kind information fromsaid text in said electronic message; a transmission path memory meansfor memorizing basic transmission paths each expressed in an order ofaddresses determined according to every kind of said electronic message;a transmission information forming means for searching a relevant basictransmission path among those memorized in said transmission path memorymeans according to the kind of said electronic message obtained by saidkind information separating means and forming a transmission informationincluding said basic transmission path provided with said destinationaddresses at its head, said electronic message identification code andadditional transmission mode information; a transmission informationcomposing means for composing said transmission information formed bysaid transmission forming means and said text, a transmission means fortransmitting the composed electronic message to a head destinationaddress of said basic transmission path after putting "Finished" code tosaid destination address and setting said transmission mode of saidelectronic message as "Transmission" and thereafter transmitting saidtransmission mode to said destination address after renewing it to"Notice".
 12. A message transmission apparatus according to claim 11,wherein said transmission information forming means provides a basictrans:mission path with a destination address at its head and an enddestination address at its end as well.
 13. A message transmissionsystem includingan electronic message forming apparatus comprising: atext means for forming a text of an electronic message; a code means forgiving an electronic identification code to the electronic message; akind information means for generating a kind information including akind of the electronic message; said electronic message identificationcode given by said code means and destination addresses; a composingmeans for composing said kind information and said text formed by saidtext means; and an original message transmission means for transmittingan original electronic message composed by said composing means, atransmission path determining device for receiving said originalelectronic message from said electronic message forming apparatus anddetermining a transmission path of said electronic message comprising; areceiving means for receiving an electronic message including a kindinformation containing an electronic message identification code, a kindof the electronic message, destination addresses and a text; a kindinformation separating means for separating said kind information fromsaid text in said electronic message; a transmission path memory meansfor memorizing basic transmission paths each expressed in an order ofdestination addresses determined according to every kind of saidelectronic message; a transmission information forming means forsearching a relevant basic transmission path among those memorized insaid transmission path memory means according to the kind of saidelectronic message obtained by said kind information separating meansand forming a transmission information including said basic transmissionpath provided with said destination addresses at its head, saidelectronic message identification code and additional transmission modeinformation; a transmission information composing means for composingsaid transmission means and said text; and a transmission means fortransmitting the composed electronic message to a head destinationaddress of said basic transmission path after putting "Finished" code tosaid destination address and setting said transmission mode of saidelectronic message as "Transmission" and, thereafter, transmitting saidtransmission mode to said destination address after renewing it to"Notice", a plurality of message processing apparatuses each comprising:a receiving means for receiving an electronic message includingtransmission information having transmission mode information showingeach state of transmission/notice/completion, electronic messageidentification codes and a transmission path expressed in an order ofaddresses and a text to be processed; a transmission informationseparating means for separating said transmission information from saidtext in said electronic message; a transmission status memory means formemorizing said transmission information obtained from said transmissioninformation separating means; a memory control means for checking saidtransmission information and up-dating said transmission status memorymeans so as to memorize a set of said electronic message identificationcode and said transmission path additionally after putting "Finished"code to a relevant address within said transmission path if saidtransmission mode is "Transmission", renews said transmission pathinformation related to a set having an electronic message identificationcode which coincides with said electronic message identification codecorresponding said transmission mode if it is "Notice", and deletes theset having on electronic message identification code which coincideswith said electronic message identification code corresponding to saidtransmission mode if it is "Completion", and a terminal noticing devicefor transmitting said transmission mode to one prior address to therelevant address after renewing said transmission mode to "Completion"without demanding processing of said text when said electronic messageis transmitted thereto.
 14. A message transmission system includinganelectronic message forming apparatus comprising: a text means forforming a text of an electronic message; a code means for giving anelectronic identification code to the electronic message; a kindinformation means for generating a kind information including a kind ofthe electronic message; said electronic message identification codegiven by said code means and destination addresses; a composing meansfor composing said kind information and said text formed by said textmeans; and an original message transmission means for transmitting anoriginal electronic message composed by said composing means, atransmission path determining device for receiving said originalelectronic message from said electronic message forming apparatus anddetermining a transmission path of said electronic message comprising; areceiving means for receiving an electronic message including a kindinformation containing an electronic message identification code, a kindof the electronic message, destination addresses and a text; a kindinformation separating means for separating said kind information fromsaid text in said electronic message; a transmission path memory meansfor memorizing basic transmission paths each expressed in an order ofdestination addresses determined according to every kind of saidelectronic message; a transmission information forming means forsearching a relevant basic transmission path among those memorized insaid transmission path memory means according to the kind of saidelectronic message obtained by said kind information separating meansand forming a transmission information including said basic transmissionpath provided with said destination addresses at its head, saidelectronic message identification code and additional transmission modeinformation; a transmission information composing means for composingsaid transmission means and said text; and a transmission means fortransmitting the composed electronic message to a head destinationaddress of said basic transmission path after putting "Finished" code tosaid destination address and setting said transmission mode of saidelectronic message as "Transmission" and, thereafter, transmitting saidtransmission mode to said destination address after renewing it to"Notice", a transmission means for transmitting the composed electronicmessage to a head destination address of said basic transmission pathafter putting "Finished" code to said destination address and settingsaid transmission mode of said electronic message as "Transmission" andthereafter transmitting said transmission mode to said destinationaddress after renewing it to "Notice", a plurality of message processingapparatuses each transmitting means said transmission mode to one prioraddress to the relevant address after renewing said transmission mode to"Notice", and after transmitting said electronic message to said nextaddress, if said transmission mode is "Transmission" i.e., if thereexists a next address to the relevant address when said transmittingmeans checks said transmission mode to said electronic message obtainedfrom said transmission information composing means and transmits saidtransmission mode to one prior address to the relevant address afterrenewing said transmission mode to "Completion" if there does not existthe next address to the relevant address.
 15. A message transmissionsystem includingan electronic message forming apparatus comprising: atext means for forming a text of an electronic message; a code means forgiving an electronic identification code to the electronic message; akind information means for generating a kind information including akind of the electronic message; said electronic message identificationcode given by said code means and destination addresses; a composingmeans for composing said kind information and said text formed by saidtext means; and an original message transmission means for transmittingan original electronic message composed by said composing means, atransmission path determining device for receiving said originalelectronic message from said electronic message forming apparatus anddetermining a transmission path of said electronic message comprising; areceiving means for receiving an electronic message including a kindinformation containing an electronic message identification code, a kindof the electronic message, destination addresses and a text; a kindinformation separating means for separating said kind information fromsaid text in said electronic message; a transmission path memory meansfor memorizing basic transmission paths each expressed in an order ofdestination addresses determined according to every kind of saidelectronic message; a transmission information forming means forsearching a relevant basic transmission path among those memorized insaid transmission path memory means according to the kind of saidelectronic message obtained by said kind information separating meansand forming a transmission information including said basic transmissionpath provided with said destination addresses at its head, saidelectronic message identification code and additional transmission modeinformation; a transmission information composing means for composingsaid transmission means and said text; and a transmission means fortransmitting the composed electronic message to a head destinationaddress of said basic transmission path after putting "Finished" code tosaid destination address and setting said transmission mode of saidelectronic message as "Transmission" and, thereafter, transmitting saidtransmission mode to said destination address after renewing it to"Notice", a plurality of message processing apparatuses each of whichtransmits said transmission mode to all prior addresses to the relevantaddress after renewing said transmisson mode to "Notice" and aftertransmitting said electronic message to a next address to the relevantaddress if said transmission mode is "Transmission" and stops itsoperation if said transmission mode is "Notice" or "Completion", and aterminal noticing apparatus for transmitting said transmission mode toall prior addresses to the relevant address after transmitting saidelectronic message to said next address without demanding processing ofsaid text if there exists a next address to the relevant address i.e. ifsaid transmission mode is "Transmission" and transmitting saidtransmission mode to all prior addresses to the relevant address afterrenewing said transmission mode to "Completion" without demandingprocessing of said text if there does not exit a next address to therelevant address.
 16. A message transmission system includinganelectronic message forming apparatus comprising: a text means forforming a text of an electronic message; a code means for giving anelectronic identification code to the electronic message; a kindinformation means for generating a kind information including a kind ofthe electronic message; said electronic message identification codegiven by said code means and destination addresses; a composing meansfor composing said kind information and said text formed by said textmeans; and an original message transmission means for transmitting anoriginal electronic message composed by said composing means; atransmission path determining device for receiving said originalelectronic message from said electronic message forming apparatus ariddetermining a transmission path of said electronic message comprising; areceiving means for receiving an electronic message including a kindinformation containing an electronic message identification code, a kindof the electronic message, destination addresses and a text; a kindinformation separating means for separating said kind information fromsaid text in said electronic message; a transmission path memory meansfor memorizing basic transmission paths each expressed in an order ofdestination addresses determined according to every kind of saidelectronic message; a transmission information forming means forsearching a relevant basic transmission path among those memorized insaid transmission path memory means according to the kind of saidelectronic message obtained by said kind information separating meansand forming a transmission information including said basic transmissionpath provided with said destination addresses at its head, saidelectronic message identification code and additional transmission modeinformation; a transmission information composing means for composingsaid transmission means and said text, and a transmission means fortransmitting the composed electronic message to a head destinationaddress of said basic transmission path after putting "Finished" code tosaid destination address and setting said transmission mode of saidelectronic message as "Transmission" and, thereafter, transmitting saidtransmission mode to said destination address after renewing it to"Notice", and a plurality of message processing apparatuses eachtransmitting said transmission mode to all prior addresses to therelevant address after renewing said transmission mode to "Notice" andafter transmitting said electronic message to said next address if thereexists a next address to the relevant address i.e. if said transmissionmode is "Transmission" and transmitting said transmission mode to allprior addresses to the relevant address after renewing said transmissionmode to "Completion" if there does not exit a next address to therelevant address.